Revolt by Uma Bharti loyalists will not harm party: BJP

Last updated on: October 19, 2005 18:49 IST

Claiming that the virtual revolt by senior leader Uma Bharti loyalists against Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Babulal Gaur will not harm it, the state Bharatiya Janata Party Wednesday said the situation has been defused and it will work with the government to resolve complaints of disgruntled legislators.

"There was a problem and it has been resolved," state BJP president Shivraj Singh Chouhan told reporters in Bhopal on Wednesday.

"BJP is a family and problems do arise. There is internal democracy in the party and I ask workers to ensure that these problems are raised in appropriate forum, instead of raising the issue in the media," he said.

To a query, Chouhan said "I will speak to the chief minister and other ministers and try to resolve whatever problems the MLAs had complained of. Ministers have to redress their grievances."

Asked whether the demand for the leadership change in the state will affect the party, he said, "The BJP is a large party and such matters don't affect it. Solutions to the problems can be found."

Meanwhile, state BJP general secretary Kaptan Singh Solanki said a decision about leadership change will be taken by the party leadership.

Bharti's supporters had intensified their tirade for her return as chief minister since last three days and had launched a signature drive with around 126 MLAs pledging support to her for a change of guard and for convening a legislature party meeting for it.